Creating a strong, thriving community supporting families with children with additional needs through equine therapy.
by Autism Angels in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Demand for our services is increasing all the time. We never want cost to be a barrier to families seeking the help and support they need. This is particularly prevalent with the current cost of living crisis putting extra pressure on our families.
Funding is essential for families so we can continue providing much needed support, maintain vital services and create a community space our families can access and be supported.
Autism Angels provides therapeutic services to families with children with additional needs including but not limited to, Autism, ADHD, ADD, PDA & sensory processing.
Autism Angels is all about prevention of suicide, supporting mental health and wellbeing, building a strong community around our families so they can thrive and life their best lives.
We provide a range of sessions to support the needs of the whole combining family based therapeutic coaching with equine therapy, bringing families into nature at our outdoor care farm.
Equine Therapy provides a combination of sensory & kinaesthetic benefits, increases body movement, core strength, positive communication & reduces anxiety. Horses have a range of emotions that create powerful, honest & immediate feedback creating a powerful platform for our children & families to improve their physical & mental wellbeing.
Sessions Include:
-Saturday Kids Club offering the opportunity for all children to come to the farm, have fun, make friends and thrive. For those with additional needs we know that it can be hard to find out of school activities that cater to a child’s needs and understand the challenges that can be faced, especially in group settings. We have designed our Kids Clubs so that learning, making friends, building confidence, resilience and independence are all part of the fun. Parents stay and support their children and learn alongside us or can chat to other parents in our lovely relaxing outdoor spaces.
-Wellbeing Days creating the opportunity for children to get out into nature, involve a range of animal care and environmental activities aimed at working to to improve wellbeing and mental health challenges, developing confidence, getting along with others, social interaction, communication, exercise and building resilience. These sessions provide an alternative provision and support those children who are struggling in education or who may benefit from mid week respite to support their education the rest of the week, those who have been excluded or who do not have an appropriate placement and those who are home schooled.
-Private Family and Riding Therapy sessions offering a structured yet relaxed approach to equine therapy. Sessions are delivered on a private basis so they can be tailored to individual needs and work at a pace that is right for you. These sessions can support one person, parents, couples, siblings or the whole family unit.
-We also run seasonal inclusive parties at Halloween, Easter, Christmas and various points throughout the year plus Family Fun Days and Summer Day Camps.
-Parent Support Drop In Sessions offering parents support with their own mental health and wellbeing. An opportunity to take some respite providing a safe place to talk, to listen and be supported. Session also provide an opportunity to meet other parents on a similar journey enabling peer to peer support, sharing experiences and ideas
-Dad's Support Group meeting once per month for a social, walk and talk.
-Parenting Programme An interactive programme, working through real life scenarios designed for any parent who feels they need some support in understanding and managing challenges within their life.
Autism Angels are building a strong, nurturing community made up of families, carers, volunteers, supporters and our dedicated team. It is our aim to provide a home from home where our families can feel welcomed, safe and accepted. A place they can find the support and guidance they may need.
Many children and their families can struggle to access and engage in traditional neurotypical environments, they are often unable to join community based activities which can often result in many families being alone and isolated.
Autism Angels are a life line to many of our families; a haven of safety, freedom and laughter, a place they can meet other families who are experiencing similar journeys; things that they struggle to find elsewhere.
At Autism Angels we have seen that working with the whole family, in nature and with the animals is having an impact on reducing mental health and boosting wellbeing, allowing families to reach their full potential and live happy and full lives.
Demand for our services is increasing all the time. We never want cost to be a barrier to families seeking the help and support they need. This is particularly prevalent with the current cost of living crisis putting extra pressure on our families.
Bringing up and educating a child with additional needs already carries a high rate of family breakdown. In addition some parents are unable to work due to their caring role adding extra financial pressure to the family unit.
Funding is essential for families so we can continue providing much needed support, maintain vital services and create a community space our families can access and be supported.
Funding raised will enable us to continue running our services without having to pass on increased running costs to our families.
All money raised will be used to facilitate and maintain vital services for families so we can continue providing much needed support. Funds will also go towards overall running costs of the charity (for example venue hire, insurance) and the continued development of a comfortable and warm community space for our families to access and be supported (for example comfortable seating, blankets, heating/fuel costs, refreshments)